The Planning Committee of Hinckley and Bosworth Council is scheduled to consider three significant planning applications at its meeting on Tuesday 28 July 2026. These include proposals for new housing developments in Desford and Markfield, as well as the construction of an industrial and logistics unit in Hinckley. The committee will also receive an update on recent planning appeals.

Outline Application for 75 Dwellings in Desford

A key item on the agenda is an outline planning application for the construction of up to 75 dwellings on land north of Hunts Lane, Desford. This application, reference 25/01156/OUT, seeks permission for the development, with all matters reserved except for access. The report pack details the site's location in the open countryside, adjacent to Desford's settlement boundaries, and notes its contribution to the local landscape character. Concerns have been raised by Desford Parish Council and local residents regarding the development's impact on the character of the area, flooding, and harm to the environment and wildlife. The report outlines various planning policies that are relevant to this application, including those related to housing land supply, safeguarding the countryside, and biodiversity.

Outline Application for 67 Dwellings in Markfield

Another significant housing proposal to be discussed is an outline application for up to 67 dwellings on land opposite the industrial estate on Hill Lane, Markfield. This application, reference 25/01157/OUT, also reserves all matters except for access. The site is located outside the defined settlement boundary of Markfield, and the report details its proximity to residential areas, commercial buildings, and the Hill Hole Nature Reserve. Objections have been received from Markfield Parish Council and local residents, citing concerns about the principle of development outside the settlement boundary, harm to landscape and countryside character, impact on wildlife, infrastructure capacity, highway safety, and flooding. The report also addresses the site's designation as a green infrastructure site within the Markfield Neighbourhood Plan.

Industrial/Logistics Unit in Hinckley

The committee will also consider an application for the erection of an industrial/logistics unit within flexible B2/B8 use class at the EMEB Sports and Social Club site on Nutts Lane, Hinckley. This full planning application, reference 25/01192/FUL, proposes a building of 7,721 sq m with ancillary offices, and includes associated landscaping, yard, parking, and access infrastructure. The report notes that the site is designated as an outdoor sports facility (HIN45) under Policy DM8 of the Local Plan, but also acknowledges an extant permission for a solar array on the same site. Sport England has objected to the proposal due to the loss of recreational land. The report details the proposed design, including elevational treatments and landscaping, and addresses concerns raised by residents regarding traffic, highway safety, flood risk, and residential amenity, including noise and light pollution.

Appeals Progress Report

Finally, the committee will receive a report on the progress of various planning appeals. This report provides an update on appeals that are at different stages of the process, including those with written presentations, informal hearings, and public inquiries. It also lists decisions that have recently been received, including both allowed and dismissed appeals.